Peruvian Dive and China Town

After a long day of internet research on various segments of the international wine market and real estate in Beunos Aires it is nice to unwind with a glass of vino. Stuart is cooking a spicy curry dish to accompany our fragrant splurge on 2008 Domingo Molina Torrontes (retail $14.99 in the states).

 

Flashing back to last Thursday we attended Nigel’s (0800 vinos) weekly tasting which  featured 4 wines from Bodega Tapiz. We used our $25 peso credit to satisfy our curiosity for a recommendation from an aquaintence at  aprevious tasting. We strolled out with a bottle of the torrontes before heading to dinner at a Peruvian dive with our new friend Bruce, a sommelier from Denver.

 

Abasto is a historic tango barrio in Buenos Aires, with many Milongas and older buildings. Currently there are many Peruvian and Bolivian residents. This is no Palermo or Recoletta and makes for some of the best cheap eats in the city.

 

Bruce invited us to dine with his Australian friend at a traditional Peruvian grill. We noted the Brazilian SoapOpera playing on the 12 inch and the contrasting purple and red walls. But we ordered Pollo en brazas for 4 which included water, and massive heaps of salad and fries for less than 60 pesos total (about$4 dollars each). They even let us uncork our own wine free of charge, a bottle of Tapiz Sauv Blanc from Nigel’s cellar.

 

After the meal the weekend flew by. Friday we worked and then had a farewell party for Sophia, who departed for Germany yesterday. Saturday Stuart and I went to Belgrano to Barrio Chino. On our walk across the train tracks we observed a very Argentine phenomenon; fast approching train, agressive cars… The man featured here hoisted the saftey barrier to let honking Portenos pass in haste across the rails to Av. Libertador.

   

As you could imagine this part of town is home to many Chinese immigrants and is one of the best places for spice shopping. We enjoied a nice stroll through the neighborhood and bought a bundle of curries, peppers and herbs. Stuart explained his love for Dim Sum on Sundays in North Carolina as he nibbled (destroyed) a 6 pack of pork dumplings. Someday we will return to try the slow cooked chicken feet.

 

Sunday we considered a day trip to San Izidro but decided it was wiser to stay home and work. For Anuva we have been conducting a lengthy market study on trends in wine consumption and sales.

We recieve some happy news this week. My brother in-law’s sister, Sarah is getting hitched. And in two weeks Chip, Stu’s dad will be in Buenos Aires for business… we can’t wait. Most of tonight will be spent getting excited for his visit.

~ by aedlund on June 29, 2009.